Ok, so we’ve been doing construction since we got here a week ago (wow, that went fast!), but today was the day that things started to really take shape. Thanks to actually having the container the construction crew made huge progress today: All four walls are up and the tresses are all in place! Doran, Kent, Pete, Russ, and Chris, with the help of a growing contingent of neighborhood help, got the morning off to a great start by getting the container onto the slab.
Oh yes, in the haste of our late night unpack, the container was emptied, flopped off the truck on it’s side, then flipped upright next to the slab for the container. Yes, next to.
What a welcome sight, even at 9pm!
So first up this morning, Russ had an idea, took a walk through the neighborhood and then this happened:
Don't look at me, this was all Russ's idea.
I hear rumor there’s a video, or you can feel free to bug Russ for the story when we get back. So the carton was placed on the slab. Huzzah!
The construction team has been attracting quite a crowd in the community over the week, getting to know a lot of the local people (our neighbors are now even growing peanuts!), and have had volunteers from within the community in addition to the boys. All that help really knocked things out today, and as of 5pm, you could really tell it was a house!
Doran and a few of the neighborhood kids.
Lots of help from everyone!
Putting the last wall piece in place.
The view up at the end of the day.
While construction was bustling at the site, a group of us got up early this morning to head to Belleview, which is just north of Monrovia to visit a large feeding center, run by Liberians for Liberians. The depth of the operation is awesome, and they are extremely excited to begin using the peanut butter to feed these hungry kids. How powerful to know that some of the children we met today, will be helped by the peanut butter being produced by the peanut butter house.
A child at the feeding center in Brewerville, drinking a corn, soy, and sugar mixture.
This baby is 2 months old and severely malnourished.
This little girl is on the mend, thanks to the feeding center.
Today was another full day, it just passed midnight here and I need to get to sleep, we have a big day tomorrow. Thanks to Luther, our team will be meeting with the Vice President at 10am! We all scrambled for some dressier attire this afternoon when we found out, so we’ll be looking good, though most of us are still going to meet him in sandals. You do what you can, right?
Everyone is thinking of, and missing family and friends back home. We are very busy here, but please know that you are in our hearts and minds as we do this work, which you made possible!
Well what is that song…”I get by with a little help from my friends!” It looks like you all have a LOT of friends and are more than getting by! What a great day to see the tangible results of many prayers coming true. I know there is more to do, but look at what you’ve accomplished. PRAISE GOD for his hand and his grace! Now, for Russ…. what in the world – where in the world- perhaps it’s better left unknown how he got those trucks. As for the feeding center, I just had to think “GO PEANUT BUTTER!!!” My prayer now is that the peanut butter get made and made soon so those precious little children will have a life ahead of them. Thank you for the pictures of them – it reminds us quickly of the faces behind this trip and the reason you are there. Bless you all for loving those little ones and setting the stage for hope for a better future for them.
Wow, you all are an inspiration to me!
I can’t tell you how inspiring and impressive you all are!
I love you and miss you dad!
After reading the above comments, I can say nothing but ditto. Lifting you all up in prayer, and wishing I could feed some of those hungry babies…..tangible evidence of why you are there. Go team! XXOO
It looks great! We noted that no extra trips for supplies were mentioned, must have been some excellent planning to get a house built without any “Oops, we forgot…”. Well done!
Looking good! A peanut butter house would look great in Malawi. Hmmmm…..
Be careful in Nigeria Russ!
GLORY bumps just sprang up on my arms….
You guys are such a blessing. Continue strong in the faith and in His work. Know that you are loved and missed here, but this blog is very encouraging.
Phillippians 4:8,9 says, “Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned…”
Continue strong in the work.
I in awe of you guys and the Lord. This is all just sooooo amazing! Those pictures are perfect and bring flashbacks of wonderful memories for me. Oh I am so excited to go back to Liberia and visit the facility that you are putting up that once stood in Fort Collins, CO! You are going to be able to touch, save, change, and transform so many lives. I know of one agency that is sure to be a willing recipient of your peanut butter!!! WOW!
Look at that house going up! Great work, guys (and gals)
Guys what you’re doing is awesome, and the people really appreciate it. What an awesome opportunity. Love the site SJ thanks for doing it. Love and miss you!
I liked peanut butter before. Now I LOVE peanut butter – especially your nutrient-rich variety. Yay for peanut butter, and yay for you all! I’m gonna go kiss my jar of JIF and say a little prayer for you. The house is looking great. Love the pics.
Just ask the fellas about Jetty. There have been extra trips. I’m pretty sure they spent an entire day searching for anchor bolts!
Nanci,
Tried to phone you but the number (and various combinations) didn’t work for us. Money has not yet arrived but I anticipate it should come very soon. Will wire it ASAP.
Elizabeth (and Art)
Hey Art & Elizabeth- Nancy says she just found it was held up by Fidelity, and it should arrive shortly. Thank you!
We are all SO impressed (we knew we would be)..so many prayers are being answered, so much love being shared…We’ve all got goose bumps here at home (well, maybe partly from this COLD January weather we’ve been having….brrrrrr)
Keep up the good work!!!